Controversy as halo’s introduction is delayed

A host of Formula 1 rule changes were announced during the German Grand Prix weekend, including the new halo cockpit protection device not being introduced next season.

Following a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group it was decided that the halo was not ready to be used yet but that some form of cockpit protection would definitely be added for 2018.

The decision drew a mixed reaction from drivers. World championship leader Lewis Hamilton said: “I don’t really know why it’s not going to be there next year.

“If we are unfortunate enough to have an incident in the next year and a half, and we knew we had a solution for it that would’ve played a role in that, we’d really be kicking ourselves.”

However, Jenson Button said he could understand the decision to delay the halo’s introduction.

“There hasn’t been enough mileage with it, there hasn’t been enough driving in anger with it,” he said. “So next year is very early to put it on the car.”

It was also confirmed that F1’s controversial ban on radio transmissions would be lifted with immediate effect.

Other rule changes announced include standing starts being used for wet races that initially begin behind the safety car. Also red flags will be used in qualifying instead of double waved yellows to prevent debate over whether a driver has slowed down enough.